Big Lake

The Views surpass anything negative I could say. The location is ideal, we escaped the summer heat, at our site it was about 15 degrees cooler than Sisters temps. The Host who was a Forest Service Employee was wonderful, sites are fairly close together, I would bring a large sheet potentially next time to keep from looking straight into neighbors camps. The bugs were bad in the evening at the water, but not terrible during the day. Bring lots of big spray. The lake is serene, even with boater activity there was plenty of room for my kids to very safely swim. They do not sell firewood at the campground so if you are visiting when fires are allowed bring your own wood. We will for sure return!

The lake is beautiful, although unfortunately not too shaded during the day due to the wild fires. I only spent a night here and it did the job. Bring bug spray, the bugs are outrageous. This is also not a quite campground. Neighbors are close and you can hear the people on the lake, but that’s to be expected.

The lake is calm, the campsites line the lake full of evergreens. Truly peaceful.

We stayed in Big Lake West last weekend. The site was huge extending all the way down to the lake but we discovered that all of the west sites are walk-in only so we parked our van on the side of the road in front of our campsite in the designated area. The vault toilets were relatively clean and there were ample water spigots and garbage cans.

The downside is that we had a constant stream of hikers, hunters, other campers, and their dogs wandering through our campsite all day on both of the days we had reserved the site. It seems that most people elect to forgo the day-use access to the lake and use the campsites instead.

We also had substantial fast-moving traffic (hunters, hikers and OHVs) who appeared to be exploring the area.

And lastly- the trash in our site was substantial. The sites are large and not heavily maintained, but it’s disappointing to see piles of cigarette butts, cans, plastic bottles, a camp rug, along with the normal micro-trash lying around.

If you are easy going and like to make new friends with the endless stream of people wandering through your site- this is a great location. If you are trying to disconnect and have a little space to call your own for the weekend, I would avoid or stick to the regular big lake sites.

Campsite marker said full but we drove in anyways and wete able to find one lucky open spot! Got a beautiful view of the lake and easy water refill/trash stop!

Great spot for some camping and time on the lake! Busy place, and motor boats allowed, so not particularly quiet.

Big Lake Campground is a great place to visit in all seasons, although you would need snowshoes, skis, or a snowmobile to get there in the Winter.  The views of Mt. Washington over the lake are truly stunning.  My only knocks on it is that mosquitoes can be vicious in the summer, and most of the forest in view is burnt.

Gorgeous views and hiking trails galore! I don’t think I’ve camped at a place that is as beautiful scenery as Big Lake Campground. Campground has all the necessities: there are vault toilets, fire pits, tables, and drinking water. No cell service of course and lake is very close.

Lots of space and highly recommend!

This was a great little lakeside campground with easy water access, and bathrooms (pit toilets) onsite.

It is really dusty, which was expected.

We also found it to be pretty loud as people played their loud music on boats late into the evening and the music carried over the water.

The view of Washington, however, cannot be beat.

Absolutely beautiful view, huge sites and fairly remote.

Great camping spot with awesome mountain views. Area also has private campsites for tent so you’re not out in the open. Very accessible to hikes (Sahalie, Koosah, Tamolitch Blue Pool, and many lakes).

This hidden gem can’t be seen from the highway. But it’s a quick drive down a improved road to it,s clear refreshing waters with fishing and plenty places to swim. Trails to go off road and places to camp near or away from the water. You’ll find views of snowcapped mountains and relax at night with no city noise or lights glowing. Check this place out before the winter hits and the snow piles up.

We headed out from Portland late Friday, not really knowing what to expect. The campground was clean and easy to find, obviously a hit for OHV. We went on a hike just a few yards from the campsite, and put our kayaks in the lake after. Not to loud, and great views

Have camped here a few different times, Always a great time. Lake is great for kayaking, big enough to give you lots to paddle, but small enough to not be overwhelming. Beautiful view of the mountain (Mt. Washington I believe), and lots of birds and deer in the area. A bit dusty, and no re hookups, but the lake and views make up for that. Pit toilets, and not all sites are leveled for every parking. Check site length to your needs and being leveling blocks in case!

This is pretty well a dry camp area but great if you have bikes or dirt bikes or four wheelers. The lake is not breathtaking but pretty enough.

There's such a great view of Mt Washington from the campground.